Milkround News, 06 November 2008
Oxford and Cambridge students have revealed their approach to graduate careers.
The majority of students claimed to know which job sector they would work in by the end of their first year, rising to 84 percent by the end of their second year.
However, undergraduates struggle to differentiate between employers and less than a third of Oxbridge students listed brand as an important influencing factor.
The Top Employers Oxbridge Students Careers Survey asked more than 1,000 students of all years for their views on careers.
When asked when they decided on their future job industry, 52 percent said in their first year, and another 27 percent said their second year. Just two percent wait until they have finished university before deciding.
But while students can choose their industry, they are less clear about employers. Around two out of three students going into investment banking, consulting and healthcare find it hard to distinguish between firms. Engineering firms are the most understood with 63 percent claiming it was easy to tell businesses apart.
The top career choice among Oxbridge students is the public service and media with 17 percent of students singling them each out. Law (10 percent), consulting (nine percent) and healthcare (eight percent) followed. The report claims the government fast stream is a major attraction due to international opportunities, good prospects and job security. Careers in consumer goods, industrials and accountancy were the least popular choices on six percent each.
When considering jobs, the core factors are work-life balance, ethical business practices and variety of work, all important to at least 72 percent of students. Asked how long they expect to stay with their first employer, the students said around three years for accountancy, consulting and technology, while consumer goods, law and healthcare jobs are seen as longer term prospects on five years.
The report states: "Today’s graduates are not won over by bigger pay packets and corporate reputation. Business ethics, variety of work and a work-life balance are now top of the agenda."
Find out more:
read the full report.